Illinois National Guard Mourns the Loss of Soldier Killed in Chicago

CHICAGO (02/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard is mourning the loss of a Soldier who was murdered in Chicago early Saturday morning.

Pfc. Matthew Zavala, 20, of Chicago, was shot and killed in the 200 block of North Lorel Avenue while off duty at about 4:40 a.m. Saturday morning. Zavala was a member of B Company, 1-178th Infantry Battalion, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard. He had recently returned from basic training at Fort Benning. Ga.

Zavala was approached by a, yet to be identified individual, who fired three shots at the victim and fled the scene to a vehicle waiting nearby. As the vehicle left the scene, it crashed in the 100 block of North Lorel. The offender then fled on foot. Zavala sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced at the scene. This remains an ongoing Chicago Police Area 5 investigation. No one is in custody at this time.

"On behalf of the entire Illinois National Guard, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Pfc. Matthew Zavala," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "The Soldiers of the 1-178th Infantry are assisting the Zavala family as they absorb the loss of this fine young man. Matthew chose military service during a time of war and his patriotism will be honored."

Enyart expressed confidence in the Chicago Police as they pursue Zavala's killer. "The Illinois National Guard often works and trains closely with the Chicago Police, so I have seen firsthand their professionalism and expertise. Many Chicago Police officers also serve in the Illinois National Guard, including in Matthew's own unit. The Chicago Police are among the finest law enforcement agencies in the world."

Col. Paul Hastings, commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, also extended his condolences to the Zavala family.

"Pfc. Zavala was new to the Illinois Army National Guard, but was already very much part of our brigade's family," Hastings said. "It is never easy losing a Soldier, whether it's on or off duty – especially someone who was so young and who was enthusiastic about being a Soldier and serving his country."